Samsung’s New Floating LNG Beast Can Tame Nine-Meter Waves

ABS greenlights SHI’s deepwater MLF-O design, doubling down on the race to monetize offshore gas

The ocean just got a new heavyweight contender. Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has secured Approval in Principle (AiP) from ABS for its MLF-O, a floating LNG facility built to withstand waves up to nine meters high. This isn’t just another offshore platform—it’s a cost-cutting, capacity-boosting leviathan designed to unlock deepwater gas fields previously deemed too risky or expensive to tap.

“The MLF-O represents a leap in floating energy production,” says an ABS spokesperson. “Collaborating with SHI, we’re pushing the boundaries of safety and reliability where it matters most: harsh, remote environments.”

ABS scrutinized the design against class and statutory requirements, but the real story lies in the engineering. SHI’s two-row cargo hold configuration slashes sloshing shock—a critical upgrade when dealing with LNG in turbulent seas. Capacity jumps from 180,000 to 220,000 cubic meters, thanks to standardized modules that streamline construction. Compared to land-based plants, the MLF-O promises faster delivery and lower costs, a combo that could reshape project economics.

This is SHI’s second FLNG model, following 2023’s coastal-focused MLF-N, which maxes out at two-meter waves. The duo creates a one-two punch for overseas gas fields: MLF-N for calmer waters, MLF-O for the open ocean’s fury. The strategic split highlights a broader industry trend—modular, specialized solutions replacing monolithic infrastructure.

SHI isn’t subtle about its ambitions. “The MLF-O cements our FLNG market leadership,” the company asserts, emphasizing reduced operating costs and accelerated timelines. For energy firms eyeing stranded reserves, that’s a tantalizing pitch. As deepwater exploration heats up, Samsung’s floating titan might just be the rig that tips the scales.